Arsenal contract news emerges in Fabrizio Romano update ahead of Brentford clash

Arsenal are riding high following the midweek Champions League victory over Real Madrid and take that confidence into the Premier League meeting with Brentford later today.

There’s been much to get excited about on the pitch over the past weeks with the return of star boy Bukayo Saka, as well as that European win and two beautiful Declan Rice free-kicks. However, headlines continue to be made away from the action too.

Former Atletico Madrid director Andrea Berta is Arsenal bound and, just the day before taking on Brentford, an update on the contract of Thomas Partey has emerged.

Fabrizio Romano provides Thomas Partey contract update

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano appears to have suggested that it is not a foregone conclusion that Thomas Partey will leave the Emirates Stadium this summer. The midfielder’s Arsenal contract is due to expire at the end of the season and few talks of an extension combined with rife transfer talk pointed towards an exit.

However, when asked about the latest on the play in his GiveMeSport newsletter, Romano said: “There are no movements at the moment. The new sporting director Andrea Berta has just arrived and will make decisions with Mikel Arteta soon.”

Despite not being seen as part of the Arsenal of the future, Partey has remained a key part of the first team squad this season. The Ghana international has made 44 appearances across all competitions already this term.

Arsenal midfielder praised for Champions League showings

Partey played 90 minutes in the unforgettable 3-0 win over Real Madrid in midweek and, while the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka earned the plaudits, it was another impressive performance. The player has been regularly trusted on the European stage and was singled out for praise by Arteta after the 5-1 win over Sporting CP in November.

The Gunners boss said: "I think it’s one of the best performances I have seen from him, especially the way he’s dominated the game so that’s the level he can play, he’s progressing. This year he’s been so consistent as well because he always has a role, that’s a big thing, he’s a massive player for us."

Arteta had been asked about his approach to out of contract stars during the January window. The manager made it clear that such conversations could distract from a Premier League title race at the time.

Mikel Arteta outlines contract plan

He said: “What I can say is that it’s not what I want, it’s what both those players [Partey and Jorginho] have in their minds as well and what their situations. I don’t want to start to have these conversations now, I want to have these conversations much later because the focus has to be on what we have to do in the season. They can understand the intentions and then we can see what we can do.

“It’s close communication with them to understand as well what their idea is, what they want to do, express as well our intentions and then let’s decide for everybody what is the best option there. But it’s two players that I am very, very happy with. They are such a value in the squad. And I want to keep them as well with the right mind frame, because the most important part of the season is coming now.”

In other news, Paul Merson makes Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham predictions as 'flabbergasted' claim made.